Paul McMenemy\'s Hill Climb 2015 pictures

All pictures above courtesy Paul McMenemy; he has large format originals and is delighted to attach them to you free of charge. If you want Paul’s email please complete the “Contact us” form (tab is at the top of this page), or email/facebook me if you have my details. He is a member of our facebook page, so if you use the picture simply tag and acknowledge him. Peter

Dear all,

We had a wonderful morning’s racing yesterday, culminating in Tim Wilcock breaking the course record with a stunning 4:14.4 and Cestria’s Michael Openshaw close behind in second with 4:24.9. Cestria CC won the team prize with Michael Openshaw, Chris Burns and Dean Penfold combining to make a stunning 13:55.5, with Durham University second (15:01.4) and Muckle CC third (15:26.7). Best lady was Hannah Rhodes-Patterson (Durham University) and best junior was Thomas Hordon (Barnesbury CC). In the vets the best V40 was Michael Openshaw and Colin Atkinson (EMC) second. I believe this means that Michael wins the Vets prize in the Northumberland & Durham DCA competition but will wait for Ben Lane to confirm that. The best V50 was David Goodwin of Newcastle Cheviots. There was a fantastic atmosphere on the course, with “Blaydon CC corner”, Hetton Hawks with a magnificent cow bell and people generally offering encouragement and support. Many congrats to the prizewinners but, perhaps more importantly, all those who raced the climb for the first time.

I would like to acknowledge the club and supporters, without whom the event could not have taken place:
– Sponsors John Morefield Ltd. and Cestria Cycles for their most generous donations
– The Official CTT Timekeepers Frances and Peter Schultz for giving up their time so generously
– John Davidson for his fantastic commentary.
– Marshalls Ian Gardner (pusher off), Angela Fusco, Mike Wyngard, John Mabbitt, Richard Ritz, Richard Nichol, Matt Brown, Gareth Clarke, Paul McMenemy for photos, Dave Marshall (and many thanks for placing the signs).
My wife Catherine, Janet Wyngard, Louise Ottaway, Terry and Louise’s little daughter and Richard Ritz’s son who not only helped serve food and keep the place tidy, but then took it upon themselves to collect litter afterwards and sweep the floor – the little stars!
All club members who so generously brought food, much of it deliciously home-made; John Bowman from Muckle CC summed it up on the N&DCA fb page: “The post race spread was outstanding as well, I think even better that the Clarion scran from the other week! Thanks to all involved.”
– the range of wonderful photographs we have seen here on fb
– Special mention must be given to Terry Ottaway, who has been superb in his assistance, inspiration and organisation.

Great to see Eddie McGourley (historic record holder of the HC with 3:57) and founder member Eddie Kerr at the event.